Bioluminescent Kayaking
Our 2020 Bio Season has ended. Our 2021 Bio Season is NOW loaded! Check next summer to reserve your spot!
Quick Details
- Cost: $65 Per Adult (12 or older) | $55 Per Child (11 or younger)
- Location: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge - Haulover Canal (full directions upon booking)
- Reservations Required
- Duration: 1.5 Hours
- Weight Restrictions: 425 pounds per boat (two guests) and no more than 250 pounds per seat (individual)
Why we are the #1 Choice for Guided Bio Tours
- Reviews: We have over 300 five-star raving reviews about our bio tours
- Giving Back: A portion of each booking is donated to Conserve Florida
- Small Groups: Our max group size is 10, perfect size to hear our guides + enjoy conversations along the paddle
- Clear Kayaks: Don't let a normal kayak hinder your view! Our 100% clear kayaks are the absolute best way to view the bioluminescence
- Top Rated: Our tours have been rated top 3 in the entire US by USA TODAY!
Get Up And Kayaking
Get Up and GLOW during bioluminescent kayak season next summer (2021)!
As we are Florida’s premiere clear kayaking bioluminescent destination, be sure to book in advance as the season generally runs from end of May- beginning of October and is most visible on the darkest nights with a new moon or no moon rise (scroll down for our moon phase calendar). Tours are first-come-first-serve, so don’t wait! We’ve got the BEST bioluminescent tours in Florida as our clear kayaks provide the absolute best ability to view the bioluminescence!
Bioluminescence is the emission of light by a living organism. When the organisms move in the water they create a beautiful glowing effect. This means that you can see fish underwater by the glow that they give off as they swim, your paddle will glow as you maneuver the waterways, and the natural flow of water will illuminate these organisms. We’re the first clear kayaking bioluminescent company! The great thing about paddling in our clear kayaks is that you can also see the glowing directly below you! Paddling in a clear kayak will enhance your bioluminescence viewing experience by a long shot!
Please keep in mind that we do offer tours at midnight and later. If you book a time that late, it may look like it is on the next day because of the time.
We launch from the NW side of Haulover Canal! This area is not only home to the bioluminescence, but also large manatee and dolphin populations which both often make appearances during our excursions! Be ready to see lots of bright bioluminescence as well as great Florida wildlife!
COMMON QUESTIONS:
When is the season?
Our bioluminescent season runs June-October (weather dependent). The warmer the weather & water, the better the bioluminescence! Peak season is July-September.
What Should I wear?
We suggest wearing long sleeve and/or long pants to deter mosquitoes. Also, it helps to spray bug spray underneath your clothing as another form of protection.
Will I Get Wet?
You will get a little wet from the paddles dripping water on you. Because of this we suggest you bring a towel or change of clothes for after the tour.
When is the best time to see the bio?
We offer 2-3 tours per night (when the moon is darker than 55%). The brightness of bio does not depend on the time of night so each tour has an equal chance of viewing!
What nights are the best to see the bio?
The darker the moon phase, the easier it is expected to see the bio! We suggest booking on a night with 55% less of a moon!
Can I tip My guide?
Of course! Our guides work off of the genorosity of your tips! We like to say, “If you enjoyed your ride, tip your guide”!
What is the weight limit?
Our kayaks are not manufactured to hold more than 425 per boat (each of our boats are tandem) and no more than 250 per either seat.
Do clear kayaks make a difference?
ABSOLUTELY! With clear kayaks you are able to look between your legs and see the bio right underneath you the whole time! We’ve heard guests say it looks like: “Space Mountain, time travel, a galaxy right below you, space sparkles,” and more!
How long are the tours?
Each tour typically lasts 90 minutes. We will give guests sufficient time to enjoy the bioluminescence as well as learn from and interact with our tour guides!
How big are your tours?
We max out at 10 total paddlers. We like to keep our groups small and exclusive to give our guests the most intimate experience as possible.
What happens if it rains?
We will still paddle if it is only raining. If there is lightning we may cancel the paddle due to safety precautions. If we cancel the paddle you will be refunded in full!
Can I bring a camera?
If you’d like. Often people try to take photos/videos with their phones or GoPros and it is nearly impossible to see the bio. The best chance of getting the phenomenon on film is with a camera that shoots well in extremely low light.
IMPORTANT INFO:
The brightness of the moon determines how well the bioluminescence can be seen. The darker the night, the better the illumination.
*We have also included nights where the moon may not rise until later in the night so a bioluminescent tour will still be considerable during these nights. This means there will be no moon until the time stated on each night.*
The best nights are those with no moon rise (0%-4%) and during the new moon phase (5%-25%).
Considerable viewing nights range from 26%-55%.
Non-desirable nights are considered anything over 55%. If you still wish to paddle on a night more than 55% please send us an email so we can open up a tour for you! Peak season is typically end of June – end of August.
May 2021
This is considered beginning of our bioluminescent season - we will open tours as May approaches so we can determine that the bio will be visible or not.
June 2021
July 2021
August 2021
SEPTEMBER 2021
Photo © Anthony Catalano
Get In touch
(407) 212-7306
available from 8:00am – 5:00pm
Address NW Haulover Canal
Email contact@getupandgokayaking.com
Guest's say
Our Team
Justin Buzzi
Owner
Owner & previous guide at Get Up And Go Kayaking!
Since hiring the great guides below, Justin has focused more on growing and expanding the business.
With Get Up And Go Kayaking officially a franchise, Justin now oversees all franchising activities and training.
He is an adventure seeker and nature lover.
Justin is a graduate of UCF – College of Business specializing in Marketing! Go Knights!
Austin Stoner
Lead Tour Guide
He is a true Orlando native and a great source of local must-do’s. Austin is a huge Orlando City fan and also enjoys playing soccer. If you’re ever frustrated and need someone to help build IKEA furniture, he is your guy! One day Austin hopes to work in Yosemite National Park!
Austin is a soon-to-be graduate of UCF-Rosen with his Bachelors in Hospitality and Event Management.
Austin Armstrong
Tour Guide
A truly local Floridian who loves the ocean, rivers, springs, or anything to do with the water! Austin grew up surfing all around south Florida and also played soccer for many years! He’s really laid back but ready to step up to any challenge! State certified in EMS/FIRE so no need to fret, Austin’s got your back!
Nick Onderick
Tour GUide
Bio coming soong!
Featured Posts & More About Bioluminescence:
These Clear Kayaks Provide an Unforgettable Adventure
What Is Bioluminescence?
More Fun Facts!
You can paddle through Florida’s bioluminescent waters in a see-through kayak!
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